The event was advertised as the city's 28th annual tree lighting ceremony and was expected to feature Santa and Mrs Claus.

10:31, Sat, Nov 22, 2025 Updated: 11:59, Sat, Nov 22, 2025

Emergency services at the scene

Three people were left in critical condition following the shooting (Image: FACEBOOK)

Four people were shot Friday evening at a Christmas tree lighting ceremony in the US, with three left fighting for their lives. Festive celebrations in Concord, North Carolina, turned into a nightmare after gunfire erupted. 

Three people were in critical condition and one in stable condition following the incident in the city's main square, which is about 19 miles northeast of Charlotte, according to a statement from the city. It wasn’t immediately clear what led up to the shooting. Police are reviewing video footage of the event and speaking with witnesses, according to the city. They’ve asked anyone with videos or photos to share them with police. 

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Video and photos posted online show crowds of people fleeing, along with a street lined with emergency vehicles. 

Footage also depict young people in tears in light of the horror scene that unfolded at the gathering.

The event, which was called off minutes within the attack, had been advertised as the city’s 28th annual tree lighting ceremony and was expected to feature Santa and Mrs Claus, food trucks, the film “The Grinch” and fireworks.

“We are praying for the safety of our brave law enforcement officers, first responders, and everyone on the scene,” US Rep. Mark Harris of North Carolina said in a post on the social platform X.  

Footage from the event

The event was halted minutes after the shooting (Image: FACEBOOK)

Three people have been detained following the incident, Concord Police Maj. Patrick Tierney said. 

One of the alleged shooters was shot during the incident and taken to hospital in a serious condition. They face multiple charges and will be served arrest warrant upon release from the hospital, police said. 

A second person, described as a juvenile, will also be facing multiple charges and was also shot and is in a critical condition, police said.  

A 17-year-old was also identified as a third suspect and is facing criminal charges. They were not injured in the incident. 

The probe into the shocking incident continues in Concord, a city housing approximately 110,000 residents.